MBSR - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. A.K.A my new best friend. Not only has the practice taken my blood pressure from an average of 169/95 to 117/75, it has also given me the luxury of getting to know ME again. Perhaps, even for the first time.

GEORGE - my eldest daughter. 17 going on 40. She has challenged me the most during the last few months. She's recently returned home after having been asked, not so politely, to leave in January. I swear it would be less painful to repeatedly smash my head against the corner of a brick wall. Please God, give me strength. I still have 3 girls coming up behind her.

A NEW BEGINNING - after a period of feeling isolated and miles away from my husband, a mutual re-commitment to each other.

ANOTHER NEW BEGINNING - after a 25+ year separation, my (step)dad's kids from his first marriage have made contact and want to re-connect with (their) our dad. It's been a new and exciting time. We can not erase the hurts of divorce and absence, but we can maturely take one day at a time and move forward from here. Welcome home Sam and Toni.

BG - my first born, and only son moved out in February and has begun his life with his girlfriend of 5 years. I miss his presence; our conversations. I'm excited though for this new phase of his life and wish him and Megz all the best.

HEALTH - I've faced a few challenges over the last few months. It's given me a renewed determination to shed these pounds. I owe it to myself and my children to take care of myself. I want to be here for them. I want to live to see, and enjoy, my grandchildren.

I'm sure more will come to me as soon as I climb into bed tonight and close my eyes. I've made a commitment to start to write again, so hopefully I won't go another 8 months between posts.

Today's Challenge

About Me

After more than 23 years raising a family, taking some time to try to get to know ME again.
Married to a man I love with every ounce of my being, and celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year.
Extremely proud mom of 5: Bg (23), George (20), Lou (18) Pudge (15) and Gingo (14). They challenge me every day and drive me crazy some (most!) days. They also inspire me. I admire and respect who they are becoming and love to celebrate their accomplishments and achievements.
Expecting my second grandchild in July.